Enter and view: The Farmhouse
Download (PDF 208.14 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Havering published a follow-up enter and view report on The Farmhouse, which offers residential care for people aged under 65 who are living with learning disabilities. Healthwatch Havering carried out their enter and view on 13 August 2025.
The unit was secure and the team were admitted by the deputy.
At the time of the team’s arrival, the residents were all taking their lunch in the garden, under the shade of umbrellas, accompanied by staff.
There were 5 residents, all of whom had been resident in the home for a number of years. Following concerns expressed by the local authority and CQC, there had been two vacancies for some time and, although the concerns had now largely been dealt with, the rooms remained vacant, even though they had been completely refurbished.
The team were advised that all redecorating and refurbishment of en-suite facilities and bathrooms had also now been completed.
All residents are encouraged to take a daily walk, winter and summer. Residents are often accompanied to the local shops, parks and even to Romford market; on the afternoon of the visit, residents were due to visit to Southend.
The team enquired what actions had been taken to mitigate the danger of uncontrolled epileptic episodes in residents, following the untimely death of a resident some time ago as the result of such an episode. They were advised that all staff had undergone a comprehensive training module, renewable on a yearly basis, on managing epilepsy. Additionally, where a member of staff is allocated to a resident with epilepsy, they are required to carry a bag, at all times, which contains appropriate medication, and this is accompanied by strict guidelines on how to proceed in the event of an attack. Where medication is administered, a call to 111 or 999, as appropriate, is made. The team were advised that there is good response from the LAS should an ambulance be required.
As before, the team remained impressed by the unit and the positive attitude of the management and staff.